Thousands apply for Zain 'dream come true' grant

Manama, April 21, 2008

Thousands of hopefuls have applied for a Zain Bahrain grant that claims to be able to "make their dreams come true", it was revealed.

Judges are now narrowing down the selection and the winner will be named on Saturday.

The scheme was launched last month by Zain Bahrain, which will support innovative initiatives by 12 people over the course of a year - with one being chosen every month.

"The winner will be named from among the thousands of applications that we have received in the last three weeks," said company corporate communications manager Samya Hussein on Sunday.

The project invites applications from the public for assistance in reaching a dream goal, which matches the company's objectives of empowering youth, supporting education, sports and healthy lifestyles, as well as care for people with special needs.

Hussein said there had been one meeting with the judges last week at the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hearing and Speech Development Centre, Sanad.

"The judges have discussed the tasks and objectives that they need to set for themselves so as to do justice to the complex work of selecting a winner," she said.

"They have also nominated Bahrain University professor and Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Centre president Dr Fouad Shehab as their chairman, while General Organisation for Youth and Sports youth development director Amal Al Dosari was nominated vice-president."

Other judges are Ahlia University president Professor Abdulla Al Hawaj, Community Development Under-Secretary at the Social Development Ministry Waheed Al Qasim, Children and Mother's Welfare Society president Shaikha Aisha bint Salman Al Khalifa, Shura Council member and Al Waqt newspaper editor-in-chief Ibrahim Bashmi, Waleed Al Thawadi from Radio Bahrain and Rotary Club of Adliya president Nijad Al Atassi.

"The project involves all those staying in Bahrain (including expatriates) being invited to submit a short summary of their dream, why and where they need help in making it a reality and how it relates to the company's community programmes," explained Ms Hussein.

Hussein said the judges would review every application and select a winner at the end of every month.

"Each month, they will meet to agree which request best falls within our criteria and what they will do to help make that dream come true," she added.

Hussein said the scheme was not conducted like a lucky draw and recommended each request to be carefully presented, demonstrating a real benefit it could make to the community or individuals.

"The selected 'dreamer' will be advised by telephone and details of the 'dream''will be published on our website," she added.

She said the unsuccessful applicants are welcome to re-submit their entries each month.-TradeArabia News Service